Forward Michael Mersch Returns to Reign from Kings

Feb 29, 2016

The Ontario Reign announced that Michael Mersch has returned to the Reign on loan from the Kings.

Mersch, 23, leads the Reign with 19 goals, and has 28 points in 34 games and was second in the AHL with 149 shots at the time of his call-up on February 20. The Park Ridge, Illinois, native skated in two games with the Kings during his recent stint, registering two shots on goal.

Earlier this season, Mersch appeared 15 games with the Kings, scoring three points including his first NHL goal on December 29 against the Edmonton Oilers.

Last season, he stood seventh among AHL rookies with 45 points and tied for second with 22 goals in 76 games with the Manchester Monarchs (AHL) and contributed a league-high 22 postseason points (13-9=22) in 18 contests, helping the organization capture the Calder Cup Championship. He also ranked second among first-year players with 223 shots and fourth with a plus-minus rating of +20.

Prior to turning pro, the 6-foot-1, 225-pound forward attended the University of Wisconsin for four seasons grabbing 120 points (67-53=120) in 157 games and helped the Badgers win the WCHA championship in 2012-13.